Knight

Knight is the fourth rank in the Imperial aristocracy, and is the last in the line of service before gaining true title. Typically, a Knight is a "gentleman soldier" or member of the noble warrior class of the Empire.

Generally speaking, a Knight has established himself as an effective administrator and military commander through service to a greater Noble as a Castellan, and has progressed to operating their own military unit or small fleet of warships. Typically, a Knight operates on his own ambitions and prerogatives, unless his service is called upon by a Noble of some standing.

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Many Knights use their position and relative freedom to strike out on "Imperial Crusades" or "Reclaimings" in order to take new territory for the Empire. Upon successfully claiming a planet or system, they will typically offer it to the Crown immediately. Usually, upon having done so, the Emperor will graciously accept the new territory, and quickly promote the Knight to the rank of Baronet, granting them this new territory's governance in the name of the Empire.